Pandemic Planning Presented by Jan Chappel Project Lead www.ccohs.ca
Pandemic Planning The Basics Why Prepare? Business Continuity Plan Staying Healthy Where to Find Information Families and Communities
Flu Terms Defined Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted from person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available. Avian (or bird) flu (AI) is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. Low pathogenic AI is common in birds and causes few problems. H5N1 is highly pathogenic, deadly to domestic fowl, and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is currently no human immunity and no vaccine available. Pandemic flu is virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. (little natural immunity, can spread easily from person to person)
What is a pandemic? By pandemic, we are typically referring to an influenza (the flu ) but it can be any widespread disease. It is usually a serious illness that causes a large percentage of the population to become ill because they have little or no immunity to it.
Three conditions The three conditions necessary for a pandemic: A new virus has emerged The virus has to make humans very sick The virus is able to spread easily from person to person
Is a flu pandemic likely? In the case of a flu pandemic, the normal influenza type A virus changes drastically and essentially a new virus appears. This shift is normal and occurs 3 or 4 times a century. The last pandemics were in 1918, 1957 and 1968 most experts agree that we are over due.
But it s not really in the news anymore The World Health Organization (WHO) monitors avian flu closely. For example: 17 April 2008 new human cases of avian A(H5N1) virus infection (7 in 2008). over 50 cases confirmed in Egypt (to date), 22 have been fatal. Also confirmed cases in Indonesia and Pakistan. Confirmed Laboratory Cases by year: 2008 30, so far 2007 88 2006 115 2005 98
News, continued Depopulation of Birds Complete on Saskatchewan Farm -Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) October 3, 2007 This virus is known as H7N3, which is highly contagious in poultry and not seen in humans.
Why prepare? A pandemic may last up to two years and may occur in waves. Each wave could last six to eight weeks and be separated by three to nine months. High rates of illness and death are expected.
Why prepare? Estimates are that 35% (range: 15 to 50%) or more will be too ill to go to work, and of those, more than 1% of could die. More people will be absent as they will need to stay home and care for family members.
Impacts It is difficult to say how much of an impact a flu pandemic will actually be. Service disruptions due to lack of staff may include banking, groceries & supplies, municipal & government services, etc. Cancellation of school & social gatherings Employees may be trained for and assigned different or additional duties.
Think for a moment How well would your organization could function if even one quarter (25%) of the workforce was away for 1 week? Or away for 2 weeks? 3 weeks?
What to you need to be prepared? A plan Quality information Tools
Business Continuity Plan A Business Continuity Plan describes how the organization will function during emergencies. This plan includes: what steps to take how employees will be prepared or trained up-to-date sick leave policies Etc.
Starting your plan How detailed your plan will be depends on the type of organization, and its complexity and size. List steps or tasks that are critical to maintaining your business Determine how an emergency or event will impact these tasks Don t forget to look at all the needs your business may have the site, systems, transportation, utilities, and personnel requirements.
Options Personnel Identify and train back ups for essential functions including Chain of command (management) Equipment Availability of Assets Ensure that facilities, utilities, computers, machinery, or tools also meet your needs Business commitments Research legal implications (e.g., for non-performance or late delivery) Accounting Continued payroll, finances, etc. Emergency Contact List Up-to-date list
Some examples Alternative Ways to Conduct Business Use the telephone, or internet more than you do now. Deliver information electronically (fax, scan, e- mail). Flexible Work Options Allow flexibility for people use public transit at offpeak hours, or to minimize the number of contacts while at work. Transportation If no public transportation, organize car pooling or a private bus. Pandemic management team - Appoint an influenza manager who will co-ordinate prevention efforts, and track staff availability.
Working at Home When arranging a work at home (telework) arrangement: an appropriate workstation (location, design/ergonomics) work scheduling working alone
Human Resource /Management Issues Communicate your sick leave policy Document guidelines for management and business decisions remember, anyone can get sick Make decisions about when to stay open, when to close to visitors, or when to close completely Be sure that core activities can be sustained over several months Tip! In general, people should be encouraged to stay home if they are ill, or if they think they are ill. Allow time for complete recovery and a healthy return to work.
Staying healthy What can workplaces do to help keep employees healthy?
Slow the Spread Virus spreads when we cough or sneeze. Cover mouth & nose Handwashing Clean surfaces Influenza viruses can live on hard surfaces for up to 2 days.
Hand Sanitizers Effective, and handy when soap and water are not available. Work best when your hands are clean (no visible dirt). In most cases, soap and water are just as effective.
Good Hygiene is Essential
Cleaning Surfaces Virus also spreads by hard surfaces (sinks, door and cupboard handles, railings, objects, counters, etc). In most workplaces and homes, cleaning floors, walls, doorknobs, etc with soap and water is very adequate. If using bleach, 1 part bleach, 99 parts water
Immunization Seasonal flu vaccine is recommended. Will not protect against pandemic strain, at first Will help keep you healthy and help fight other flu viruses
5 Ways A Business Can Help Their Employees 1. Help slow the spread of the virus. Provide hand washing facilities and extra sanitizing gels in key places at the workplace (lunchrooms, washrooms, entrances, exits). Ensure cleanliness of work surfaces Increase the distance between workstations Provide good ventilation Work from home, if possible. 2. Have corporate policies that let employees know what to expect from their workplace in a pandemic Sick leave and leave to care for families
5 ways, continued. 3. Have a business continuity plan. Know your business. Ensure all employees understand the plan, and their roles 4. Provide adequate training. 5. Help people stay informed.
Staying Informed Numerous websites on pandemic and avian flu The Government of Canada - Pandemic Influenza - http://www.influenza.gc.ca US Government - Pandemic flu http://www.pandemicflu.gov World Health Organization (WHO) http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influen za/en/
Canadian Information Federal Government http://www.influenza.gc.ca/ Provincial Governments Medical Officer of Health Municipal Governments Local Public Health departments/authorities Local Media
Business Continuity Plans Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Influenza Pandemic: Continuity Planning Guide for Canadian Businesses
New Zealand s Ministry of Economic Development Vancouver Coastal Health series Schools, universities, etc Child care Long term care Businesses
From: New Zealand Department of Labour
Families and Communities Pandemic flu will affect more than workplaces. Many places of worship, sports facilities, restaurants, theatres, and the many types of community or social groups (whether volunteer or paid) are, or operate similar to, a business.
The Community Communities and community groups can be ready too! Be Prepared how will it effect your programs? Membership? How will you communicate with your patrons? Use the Business Continuity Plan & information
Being Prepared at Home Have an emergency kit Add to your general emergency kit Don t forget your pets! Track your emergency contacts Know your health information and needs www.getprepared.ca
Add to your emergency kit Hand soap (and water), or hand sanitizers Tissues Cleaning supplies such as liquid soap and extra water. Disinfectant wipes or spray
Helping others Help others find out if there are any neighbours, friends, family, or members of your social club that may need special help. For example, you may create a telephone contact schedule to check on people who live alone.
Remember A pandemic will likely happen (if not, you are prepared for other emergencies) It won t be the flu as usual A little planning - at home, work and play - can go a long way.
Thank You For further information contact: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Phone: 1-800-668-4284 Fax: 905-572-2206 E-mail: Web Site: www.ccohs.ca